A torn wrap in sterile storage

CRCST practice question · Sterile Storage, Transport & Inventory

A technician pulls a wrapped tray from sterile storage and notices a small tear in the outer wrap. Under event-related sterility, what should be done?

  • A. Tape over the tear and return it to the shelf
  • B. Consider it contaminated, remove it from use, and send it for reprocessing
  • C. Use it only if the expiration date has not passed
  • D. Open it and inspect the inner wrap before deciding

Answer

B. Consider it contaminated, remove it from use, and send it for reprocessing

With event-related sterility, a package remains sterile until an event such as a tear compromises it, so a torn package must be reprocessed. Taping over the tear does not restore the barrier, and a date label does not override physical damage.

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